Build your own office shelves

By Michelle L. Quinn

Thursday

Jul 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2008 at 4:11 PM

Make the most of your wall space by installing space-saving shelves

Placement

Determine where the shelving’s going to be, making sure it won’t be in anyone’s way. Once you know where you want to put the shelves, measure how long and how wide you want them to be, then mark where you want them on the wall.

Determine length

Mark where you want your boards cut. If your shelves are longer than six feet, you’ll want at least three mounting brackets (one every 18 inches) to provide adequate support. Be sure to install the brackets into the wall studs and use wall anchors on any area that isn’t supported by a wall stud.

Cut & paint

Cut and paint the shelves, using primer and satin latex finish if you’re using raw wood or a wood stain if you’re using a high quality wood. Allow plenty of time for paint to dry completely.

Wall brackets

Position your wall brackets in place. (Use your level to make sure they’re straight.) Depending on how long your shelf is, you probably want to mount the brackets 6-8” from the end of the shelf and use wall anchors if you’re not drilling the screws directly into studs.

Finishing touch

After the brackets are attached and level, place the shelf on top of the brackets and secure it in place with screws.

NOTE: If you’re not fixing affixing the shelves to wall studs, be sure not to put too much weight on them when they’re finished because anchors aren’t as strong.

SIDEBAR

Five other ideas

• Paneling Remove old paneling

• Floor Lay laminate flooring

• Accents Install wainscoting

• Shelves Install floating shelves

• Space Transform a closet into an office

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